Valencia already smells of faults, it is that exciting mix where the smell of gunpowder and chocolate mix equally, there where the most scathing criticisms of our society take shape in funny "Ninots" that will see their end in the flames on the night of March 19.
Valencia is a modern, welcoming and fun city very oriented towards family experiences. Las Fallas are a great excuse to visit and explore it; however, this city, illuminated by the magnificent light of the Mediterranean, is appealing all year round, with a mild climate, many hours of sunshine And temperatures that almost always invite you to stroll, sit on a terrace, enjoy an ice cream, or wander through its countless gardens along the old Turia riverbed. From "Madres Hoy," we invite you to discover the most spectacular places to explore with your children.. Are you going to miss it?
Discover Valencia: The Bioparc
Valencia is a leading city in terms of communicationFlights are very frequent and there are also good rail lines such as the AVE, where the journey from Madrid, for example, takes just over an hour and a half, which is great for spending a nice weekend with our children or a long weekend getaway.
A must-see is undoubtedly the Bioparc Valencia. Considered one of the best "zoo-immersion" enclosures in Europe, It allows us to see the animals in their own environments without visible bars and to carry out educational activities. with them thanks to the guided excursions and programs they organize from the park itself.
In this nature theme park You will travel through the African savanna, the forests of equatorial Africa, Madagascar and the wetlandsYou'll see giraffes, rhinos, hippos, lions, meerkats, gorillas, or lemurs up close in large multi-species spaceswhere they live together in a way similar to how they would in their natural habitat. Everything is designed to help the family understand the importance of conservation and respect for animals.
Children will be able to run freely, watch the animals being fed, and enjoy educational talks and demonstrations which help them better understand each ecosystem. In addition, Bioparc organizes special activities, such as themed guided tours, urban camps or experiences for schoolchildren, very interesting if you travel with groups.
We also have the possibility of eat on their premises And thus spend a truly fulfilling day. You can take your time during your visit, relax in the shaded areas, or head to the lake viewpoint to observe hippos and water birds. They are moments full of emotion that will leave their mark on the brain of your children. And that is not forgotten! You can check More information at this link. Tickets for adults are priced at 23,80 euros and for children 18 euros.
Very close to the Bioparc, right next to it, is the Cabecera ParkA huge, iconic green space within the Turia Gardens. It's an ideal place for complete the dayYou can have a picnic, rent boats to row on the lake, hike trails with the children, or let them play in its famous wooden pirate ship, perfect for them to become little pirates for a while.
Valencia with the family: the Oceanogràfic
El Oceanogràfic in Valencia is the largest aquarium in EuropeIt is a facility that houses multiple marine species perfectly adapted to their environments, and where We can enjoy strolling through tunnels teeming with sharks, manta rays or octopuses, meet walruses and interact with adorable belugas who adore children and have almost become the hallmark of Valencia.
Inside the Oceanogràfic you will find different themed aquatic environmentsMediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, Antarctic, Arctic, Islands, and the Red Sea. Each building recreates a specific ecosystem, with information panels, audiovisual displays, and activities for children to discover. How marine species live in each part of the planet.
One of the great attractions is the underwater tunnelThe longest in Europe, where you'll walk surrounded by sharks and large fish. Furthermore, the dolphinarium It contains 24 million liters of water and is 10,5 meters deep, with bio-educational exhibits that explain the biology and behavior of dolphinspromoting respect for these animals.
You'll find outdoor areas, picnic spots, restaurants with lake views, and indoor spaces where you can take shelter if the day gets too hot or rainy. It's highly recommended. reserve several hours to explore it calmly, as there is much to see and the little ones often stop at each aquarium to observe the details.
You can find more information in this linkTickets cost €28.50 for adults and €21,50 for children. To make the most of your visit, you can combine it with other attractions in the City of Arts and Sciences. combined ticketswhich is very practical for families.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences: essential
El Museum of Arts and Sciences It's a complete experience for children to touch, discover and interact with science and art in the truest sense: astronomy, chemistry, electricity, art… An interesting program is currently being carried out around the figure of Nikola Tesla that will surely leave children with their mouths open and adults very pleased.
This museum is governed by the motto “Do not touch”which means that the little ones will be able to experiment with models, interactive games and workshopsYou'll find areas dedicated to the human body, physics, space, and technology. For younger children, the highlight is... Espai dels Xiquets, an area designed for children between 3 and 8 years old where they can play with water, build their own modular house, explore an animated forest or learn about the senses in a playful way.
The City of Arts and Sciences complex also houses the HemisfèricA 3D digital cinema with a large, concave 900 m² screen. Documentaries about [the subject] are shown there. nature, astronomy, or science which are very appealing to children and teenagers. It's a good idea to check the schedule before going to choose the movie that best suits your children's age.
Nor can we forget the incredible futuristic environment that surrounds these unique settings. architecture by Santiago CalatravaCombined with aquatic environments and crystals, it has become a benchmark location for Hollywood studios when staging science fiction films. You can find more information in this link. Tickets start at 8 euros for adults, and 6.50 for children. On holidays the entrance is freeWe have to take advantage of this!
If you have time, you can complete the day by visiting l'UmbracleThe covered viewing garden, with free access, offers magnificent views of the architectural complex, or you can look out at the nearby Caixa Forum Valencia, which usually offers exhibitions, workshops and family activities focused on art and science.
Other incredible places that children - and adults - cannot miss
- Gulliver ParkIf your children are skilled climbers, don't hesitate to take them to meet this giant, sleeping Gulliver, which they can touch and, of course, "climb" thanks to its multiple safe ropes, ramps, and slides. It's one of the Europe's most original playgrounds It's located right in the Turia Gardens. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and if it's hot, choose times when the sun is less intense, as the surface can get quite hot.
- The head parkWe are located in the old Turia riverbed, a wonderful natural setting perfect for walking, cycling, or skating. Here you will find many activities for children, including a Pirate Ship that they can "storm", play areas, a large lake where boats or water bikes can be rented and wide meadows to relax as a family.
- The Albufera Natural ParkWe are in one of the most important wetlands in SpainA freshwater lake located very close to the sea, separated only by a strip of dunes and pine forests. It's a captivating environment with wonderful water birds where we can take a peaceful boat ride while capturing unforgettable sunset photos. Children can learn to identify species such as herons, red-crested ducks or flamingos and discover how the rice paddies change depending on the time of year.
In addition to these spaces, Valencia offers many others outdoor plans Perfect for families: its urban beaches with fine sand, such as Malvarrosa or Cabanyal, the Nursery Gardens with the Natural History Museum inside, the Jardín Botánico of the University of Valencia or pedestrian squares such as Plaza de la Virgen or Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where children can move around safely while adults enjoy a horchata or an ice cream.
If you fancy a different cultural experience, you can also visit the Fallas Museum To discover what the pardoned ninots that are saved from the fire each year look like up close, visit the Museum of Lead Soldiers L'Iberwith thousands of miniatures that recreate historical scenes, or experience firsthand a theatrical tour of the historic center where children participate in games, legends and treasure hunts, such as routes inspired by the history of the Holy Grail.
In terms of mobility, Valencia is a city Very convenient for getting around by public transport, bicycle or on footThe old Turia riverbed acts as a green axis connecting many family attractions: from the Bioparc and the Cabecera Park, passing through Gulliver Park, all the way to the City of Arts and Sciences. Tourist cards are also available. unlimited use of the metro, bus and tram and get into several municipal museums with discounts, which might be interesting if you're planning a multi-day visit with the kids.
Valencia always feels good, any time of year and any time of day. During Fallas you'll find more excitement, sounds, and smells, but even outside of this festival the city offers... plans for all tastes and all ages: science, sea, nature, history, gastronomy and lots of neighborhood life. So do not hesitate to plan that getaway with the little ones. Discovering these places together can become one of those family memories that are kept forever.